Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
