Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
