Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
