Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
