Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury 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 match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
