Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, 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 is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
