Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Manchester United's tactical system due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the season.
While he once notably said that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with different setups has remained part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only implement the change when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a process," he said.
"The goal was to build an style. Currently is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press talk about changing the formation repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the moment to evolve.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Continue
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been in good form.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be a prominent presence, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
Although the precise date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
