Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
