Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
