Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while 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 natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
