Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with different formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a different juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when all the players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"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 the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
