Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
