Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
