Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
