Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He 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 vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. 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 true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
