Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes 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.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
