Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, then is the opportunity 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 play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
