Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
