Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering 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 customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
