Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
