Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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 competition.
