Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and chose to field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times transformed into a back six in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once notably stated that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Today is a different time. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to grow into a more complete side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
