Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
