Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
