Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - 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.
