Manager Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's formation due to external pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wide defenders and instead deploy an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once famously remarked that even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Now is a distinct juncture. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger side because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Continue
With just two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
However, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
