Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
