Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
