Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
