Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
