Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media talk about altering the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when all the personnel are back, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed 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 continue providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
