Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch 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 offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
