Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
