Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
