Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
