Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the latter minutes as his team dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they see why we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a better squad because when all the players return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Squad Issues Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
