Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably 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 tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
