Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
