Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.