Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "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 captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
