Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy 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 skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
