Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
