Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder 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 clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates 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 silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players 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 competition.
