Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different formations has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal 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 pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
