Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
