Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
