Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we must adjust, so they see why we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
