Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual back three setup with wing-backs and chose to deploy an standard back four shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his side clung on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a separate time. We lack a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Crisis Continue
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
