Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel 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 more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
