Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock 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 urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players 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 expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. 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 desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
