Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
