Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We are going to develop into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not planning to employ three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
