Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final phase as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Today is a separate moment. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to use a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
