Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
