Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an traditional back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects 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 leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline 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 duty.
