Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When you talk about altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
