Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a different time. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a better team because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - 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.
