Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad 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 born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
