Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
