Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a back six in the latter minutes as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as while 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 leader to continue offering input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
