Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock 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 manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
