Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal 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 pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted 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 input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
