Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to employ a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen 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 continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
