Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. 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. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
