Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
