Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
