Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder 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 among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
