Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced 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 pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - 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 continental duty.
