Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. 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."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
