Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed 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 Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured 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 anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
