Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his trademark back three setup with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the option to play with alternative setups has always been part of his plan.
Nevertheless, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we have to adapt, so they understand why we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever you talk about altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of players return, we are not planning to employ three defenders in every match."
Squad Issues Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to state his side have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise 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 one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
