Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
