Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars 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 continental duty.
