Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
