Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players 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 expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy 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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
