Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a stronger squad because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He 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 speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
