Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has remained part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
