Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy 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 offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
