Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players 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.
