Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
