Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit 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 manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
