Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players 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 is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
