Head coach 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 abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects 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 leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
