Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars 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 expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
