Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time 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 commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails 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, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
