Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy 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 vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. 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. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
