Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects 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 Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
