Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
