Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has 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 Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
