Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder 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 miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
