Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
