Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job 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 comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
