Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
