Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter minutes as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably said that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the option to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the squad to play well in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When media talk about changing the system constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We will become a stronger squad because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to play with a back three exclusively."
Squad Challenges Persist
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
