Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
