Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
