Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
