Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
