Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "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 skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
