Boss Ruben Amorim says 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 back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not 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.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - 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.
