Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise 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 a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
