Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
