Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent 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 recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
