Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of 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."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players 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 international competition.
