Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
