Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into 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.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players 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 international competition.
