Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. 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 leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
