Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
