Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
