Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
