Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
