Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
