Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his side clung on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once famously stated that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I didn't possess the squad to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a distinct moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of journalists, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I think that is a disaster for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to grow into a more complete team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, 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 leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. 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. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
