Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting 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' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.