Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We lack a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We will become a better side because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
