Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 international competition.
