Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise 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 one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
