Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
