Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's formation due to external noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and instead use an orthodox back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
