Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
