Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players 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.
