Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy 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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
