Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
