Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times transformed into a back six in the final phase as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing well enough - or else it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot make a change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the end for the coach.
"When we are playing well in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to adapt.
"This will help us grow into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not planning to play with a back three all the time."
Squad Crisis Persist
Having only two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior players already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to return following his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as while most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
