Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars 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.
