Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
