Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
