Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
