Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
