Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
