Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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 competition.
