Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders exclusively."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow 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 continental duty.
