Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players 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 continental duty.
