Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
