Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, 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.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a better team because when our full complement of players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to 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 understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured 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.
