Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off 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 clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars 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.
