Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
