Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars 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.
