Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
