Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe 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 establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
