Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
