Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
