Boss Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have meant "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied setups has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - or else it would look as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the personnel return, we are not planning to use a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having only two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch 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 leader to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - 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 wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
