Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
