Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch 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 leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
