Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," 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 Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
