Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
