Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to external noise would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the latter stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside criticism.
"At the time I came here last season, I recognized maybe I didn't possess the squad to perform effectively in that formation, but it was the commencement of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an style. Now is a distinct moment. We don't have a lot of players, and we need adjust, so they see the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the opportunity to evolve.
"We will become a better team because when all the personnel are available, we are not going to play with three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is correct to state his team have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a injury-ravaged roster, with multiple first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing input.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Key Personnel
While the exact date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
