Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players 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.
