Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
