Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal 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 boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch 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 leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
