Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
