Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
