Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
