Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover 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 pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars 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.
