Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys 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 true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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.
