Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
