Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
