Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
