Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
