Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that becomes the moment to change.
"We are going to grow into a better squad because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Availability Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed 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 carry on offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured players 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 competition.
