Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
