Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number 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 one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. 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 aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players 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 international duty.
