Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable 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 match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
