Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final phase as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Today is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need be flexible, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss changing the formation constantly, I cannot change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having just two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
