Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I didn't possess the personnel to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a different moment. We lack a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will become a better squad because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to use three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
