Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
