Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
