Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
