Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
