Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
