Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
