Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch 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 carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
