Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
