Boss Ruben Amorim argues that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to external noise would have been "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times became a back six in the closing stages as his squad clung on for a victory - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
Although he once famously remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"The goal was to establish an identity. Now is a distinct time. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize altering 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.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us develop into a more complete team because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Issues Loom Large
With only two victories in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
