Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
