Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker 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 among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
