Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not 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.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable 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 international competition.
