Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players 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 is sure his leader to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
