Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
