Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public noise would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and opted to use an traditional four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a crucial result - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Despite he once memorably remarked that even the highest authority could pressure him to adjust his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize different formations has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only implement the change when his team were faring sufficiently well - or else it would appear as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different moment. We don't have a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they see why we are switching things up.
"The change isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press criticize altering the system constantly, I cannot make a change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Once we are getting results in our system, that is the opportunity to evolve.
"This will help us develop into a better side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ three defenders in every match."
Injury Issues Continue
Having only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a depleted squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming fixture against struggling Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly urging his boss to allow him to return after his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already saying he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
Fernandes' Leadership Is Unwavering
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely still be a prominent presence, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on providing input.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is uncertain, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
