Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
