Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to media pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Today is a separate juncture. We lack a lot of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players return, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Availability Challenges Loom Large
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the other guys practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
