Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
