Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's formation due to public scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
