Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
