Manager Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and chose to field an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could compel him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
