Boss Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players are back, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable 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 duty.
