Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads 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 born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
