Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
