Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
