Boss Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to play with varied setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to establish an philosophy. Now is a separate time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"This will help us become a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel return, we are not intending to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Crisis Persist
With just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly communicating. 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 practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the specific date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
