Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
