Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "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.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
