Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
