Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
