Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase 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 pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
