Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his squad held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot 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 coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players 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 input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
