Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
