Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When media criticize changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
