Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
