Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
