Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the system constantly, I can't change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a better squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view 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 is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
