Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable 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 the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
