Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
