Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
