Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch 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 expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
