Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
