Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
