Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
