Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
