Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
