Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars 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 is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
