Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.