Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to media scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the fans.
"When the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We are going to develop into a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, though, operating with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
