Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and instead field an standard four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once notably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to utilize alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were doing sufficiently well - lest it would look as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever media talk about altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Issues Persist
With only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be deeply engaged, 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 tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue providing input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Key Players
Although the specific date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
