Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow 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 a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even 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. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
