Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
