Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things 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 practicing. There are a lot of things 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."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
