Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the latter phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a different time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
With just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying 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' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. 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 Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
