Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific 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 international duty.
