Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
