Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
