Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
