Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When media talk about altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
