Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player 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 - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
