Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot 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 getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
