Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
