Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
