Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
