Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Now is a different time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will become a better side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players 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 continental duty.
