Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
