Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
