Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Today is a different moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
