Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
