Boss Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the final stages as his team dug in for a win - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the ability to play with alternative setups has consistently been part of his plan.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to excel in that formation, but it was the start of a project," he said.
"We were trying to establish an identity. Currently is a separate time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they understand why we are changing.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever media criticize altering the formation constantly, I cannot make a change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the moment to change.
"We will become a stronger side because when all the personnel are back, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Challenges Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is right to say his side have been playing well.
He is, though, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will grow if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No way. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Influence Endures
However, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most unavailable 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 expects his leader to carry on offering guidance.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and offering advice. He's always speaking. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. 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 Schedule for Injured Players
Although the exact date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
