Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable 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 match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
