Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
