Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. 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 multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things 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 Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
