Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to media noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the personnel to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"The goal was to establish an style. Now is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the faithful.
"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
