Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
