Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
