Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"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 vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
