Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. 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 Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
