Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
