Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
