Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
