Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
