Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
