Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, 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 anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
