Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
