Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
