Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
