Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, 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 is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
