Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
