Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
