Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will become a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. 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 good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
