Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. 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 leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
