Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen 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 providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
