Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
