Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule 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 unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
