Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
