Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to 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 the press criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
