Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper 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 return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "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 negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
