Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 continental competition.
