Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. 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. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
