Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars 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 international competition.
