Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think 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 change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
