Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"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 constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
