Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars 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 is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
