Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
