Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad 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."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
