Boss 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 ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, 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 anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
