Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number 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 a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
