Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
