Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock 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, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
