Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines 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 natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
