Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
