Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain 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 hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. 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."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow 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 continental competition.
