Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
