Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
