Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
