Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an standard back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his side clung on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to utilize different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the squad to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a distinct time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when all the players return, we are not planning to use three defenders in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from a private box, 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 captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
