Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance 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 must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
