Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. 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. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
