Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
