Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
