Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
