Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
