Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch 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 anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
