Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
