Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
