Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
