Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - 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 continental competition.
