Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
