Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury 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, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
