Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly 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 recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
