Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics 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 perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
