Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
