Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the latter minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural 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 always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a many 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 leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
