Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely 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 mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
