Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock 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, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other 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 international duty.
