Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the final phase as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
