Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
