Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
