Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, 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 pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
