Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
