Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
