Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
