Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Manchester United's formation due to media noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied formations has remained part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that system, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an identity. Currently is a distinct moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the players return, we are not planning to play with three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
