Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars 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 continental competition.
