Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
