Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"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 speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
