Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys 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 leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
