Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
