Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to deploy an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better team because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
