Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
