Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to play with varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
However, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were performing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Now is a separate juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press criticize changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when all the players are back, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
