Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain 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 make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
