Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
