Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have been "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this ultimately functioned as a back six in the latter phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing well enough - lest it would look as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"We are going to become a better squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not going to play with three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
