Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
