Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced 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 pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
