Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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 input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
