Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard four-man defense with two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with alternative setups has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to evolve.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Availability Crisis Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of 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."
Return Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
