Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Now is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise 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 be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
