Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, 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 carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
