Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
