Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his team clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to experiment with alternative formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a separate time. We are missing a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a more complete side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock 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 match, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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 continental competition.
