Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
