Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a different moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
