Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
