Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
