Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
