Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock 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 pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
