Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering 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 trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
