Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain 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 return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of 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."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
