Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted 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.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
