Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a 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 constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
