Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
