Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wing-backs and chose to field an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately functioned as a back six in the final phase as his squad held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to utilize different formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was bowing to outside pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the squad to perform effectively in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we must adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to change.
"We will become a better side because when all the players are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Loom Large
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple senior players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not 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 captain.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the exact timeline for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars 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.
