Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad 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 leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
