Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. 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. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
