Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously stated that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the capacity to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I came here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an identity. Now is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever media discuss changing the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return after his muscle injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Endures
However, the 31-year-old will probably continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing 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 vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
