Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted 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 guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
