Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad 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 born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.