Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view 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 anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
