Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. 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 strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
