Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
