Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
