Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things 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."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
