Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adapt, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to change.
"We are going to become a more complete squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders all the time."
Availability Crisis Loom Large
With only two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow 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 one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
