Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a better team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
