Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players 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 exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
