Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
