Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
