Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way 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'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars 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 continental competition.
