Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
