Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, then is the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
