Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final phase as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you talk about 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 coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view 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 guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
