Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching 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 trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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 guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
