Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen 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 input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
