Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, 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 succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
