Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an style. Today is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
