Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "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.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
