Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly 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 positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
