Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, 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 offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
