Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players 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.
