Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
