Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
