Head coach Ruben Amorim says that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark back three formation with wing-backs and instead field an standard back four with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his side held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to establish an style. Now is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the opportunity to evolve.
"We will develop into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use a back three exclusively."
Availability Crisis Persist
With just two victories in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be urging his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
