Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two central 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 shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing 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 vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.