Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
