Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different juncture. We lack a lot of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"This will help us develop into a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Continue
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure 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 among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
