Manager Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to media noise would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the campaign.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to play with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
However, he emphasizes he could solely alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to forge an identity. Currently is a different time. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever you discuss changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will believe 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 right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With only two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to allow him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to carry on providing input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he declared. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly vocal. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. The guy is a leader."
Recovery Timeline for Key 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 - is unclear, by the end of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
