Boss Ruben Amorim contends 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 moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
