Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
