Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
