Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing 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 vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
