Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
