Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably said that even the Pope could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.