Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Manchester United's formation due to public noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied setups has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a different juncture. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"When you discuss altering the formation all the time, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
