Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
