Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing 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 opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch 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 leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
