Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
