Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain 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 let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
