Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad 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 system, then is the right time to evolve.
"This will help us grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to 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 urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
