Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this effectively became a back six in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a crucial result - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
While he once famously remarked that even the highest authority could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would seem as if he was succumbing to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the personnel to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he commented.
"The goal was to build an style. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we have to adapt, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the pressure of the media, or the faithful.
"When media criticize changing the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our system, that is the moment to change.
"This will help us grow into a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having only two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he has to train," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most injured players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to continue offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"He has flaws at times - the way 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 that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
