Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external scrutiny would have meant "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and instead use an standard back four shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the closing stages as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously stated that even the Pope could pressure him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize alternative setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could only implement the change when his team were doing well enough - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized perhaps I don't have the personnel to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"We were trying to forge an style. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of players, and we must adapt, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of you guys, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the players will believe I'm altering things because of you and I think that is the end for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use three defenders exclusively."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted squad, with seven senior stars already ruled out for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has bad things sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
