Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
