Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
