Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit 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 manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
