Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "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 bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
