Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
