Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know 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 precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
