Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
