Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects 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."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
