Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
