Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
