Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit 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 urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players 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 duty.
