Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
