Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
