Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
