Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
