Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
