Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two central midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively transformed into a back six in the closing phase as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once famously stated that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the option to experiment with different setups has always been part of his plan.
Yet, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - lest it would seem as if he was succumbing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Today is a different time. We lack a lot of players, and we have to adjust, so they comprehend why we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about changing the formation all the time, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are getting results in our system, that becomes the right time to evolve.
"We are going to develop into a stronger team because when our full complement of players are back, we are not intending to use a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Persist
Having only two victories in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, working with a depleted squad, with multiple first-team players already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That total will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off 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 match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as while most unavailable players watch 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 captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
Although the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, by the end of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
