Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
