Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a better side because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. 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. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
