Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
