Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch 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 leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
