Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars 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 continental competition.
