Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
