Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming 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 among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other 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 international duty.
