Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
