Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other 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 international duty.
