Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to external pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately became a back six in the latter phase as his side clung on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the option to experiment with varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an identity. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"This will help us become a better side because when all the personnel are available, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if midfielder Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
