Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
