Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
