Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy 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 speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
