Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many 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."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
