Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
