Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
