Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
