Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players 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 duty.
