Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific 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, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
