Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his team clung on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"We were trying to establish an style. Today is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when all the players are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, 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 multitude of strengths. After he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
