Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude 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'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
