Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
