Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
