Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view 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 continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
