Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
