Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
