Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
