Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling 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.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars 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 expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
