Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
