Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
