Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit 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 understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
