Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
