Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal 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 reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
