Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
