Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied setups has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not 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 skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys 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 leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
