Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the Pope could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars 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 competition.
