Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes 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' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
