Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a better team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only 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, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"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 Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
