Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view 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 anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players 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 duty.
