Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand 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 preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. 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 leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars 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 international duty.
