Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover 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 match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
