Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
