Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are 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 practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
