Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
