Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
