Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. 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 positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
