Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a back six in the final minutes as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
