Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
