Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
