Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
