Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
