Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players 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 guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
