Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
