Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always 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 multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
