Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
