Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
