Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among 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 telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad 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 leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
