Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
