Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects 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 Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
