Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
