Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to media pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his usual back three setup with wide defenders and chose to field an standard four-man defense shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the final phase as his side dug in for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the season.
Although he once memorably stated that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with alternative formations has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside pressure.
"At the time I came here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I didn't possess the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the start of a journey," he commented.
"We were trying to build an identity. Currently is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they see why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you criticize altering the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will develop into a better team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Continue
Having just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to state his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched squad, with multiple first-team players already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to make a comeback after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to practice," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to continue providing insight.
"He is a leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
