Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a more complete side because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. 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 leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.