Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys 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
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
