Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
