Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
