Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars 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.
