Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
