Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad 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 true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
