Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
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 spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
