Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
