Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they see why we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of the media, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the right time to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Loom Large
Having only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as while 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 player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
