Boss Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have been "his demise" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively became a six-man defensive block in the latter phase as his side held on for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim insists the option to play with different formations has remained part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"When I came here last season, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the players to play well in that formation, but it was the beginning of a process," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to evolve.
"We will develop into a more complete team because when all the players are back, we are not going to employ a back three in every match."
Availability Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Leadership Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue offering input.
"He is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has bad things at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
