Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things 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 moment to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out 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 half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of 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 Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
