Manager Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his side dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to experiment with varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the start of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an philosophy. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the fans.
"When media discuss altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
With only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable players view 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 expects his captain to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise timeline for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars 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 international duty.
