Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
