Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably stated that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with different formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Now is a separate moment. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you discuss changing the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will develop into a better side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
With just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. After he recovers, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
