Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably 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 tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While 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 see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
