Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an style. Currently is a distinct juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to become a better team because when all the players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to make a comeback following his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
