Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
