Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
