Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
