Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
