Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and opted to field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a back six in the latter stages as his side held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with a back three all the time."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
