Manager Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's tactical system due to public noise would have been "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three formation with wide defenders and instead field an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively functioned as a six-man defensive block in the closing phase as his squad dug in for a win - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably stated that even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim maintains the ability to utilize varied formations has always been part of his plan.
However, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were faring well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I came here last season, I recognized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a project," he stated.
"Our aim was to build an philosophy. Currently is a separate moment. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they comprehend the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the demands of the media, or the faithful.
"When the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the end for the manager.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that becomes the moment to change.
"We will grow into a more complete team because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ three defenders exclusively."
Injury Crisis Persist
Having just two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to allow him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will likely continue to be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable players view matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
