Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects 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 leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
