Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
