Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Now is a separate time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable 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 continental competition.
