Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted 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 providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
