Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Today is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
