Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
