Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
