Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view 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 expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. 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 desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
