Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
