Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
