Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation 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 opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
