Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to build an style. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. 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. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
