Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
