Head coach Ruben Amorim says that switching Man Utd's tactical system due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back setup with wide defenders and opted to field an standard back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately transformed into a back six in the closing minutes as his side held on for a crucial result - securing just their second-ever clean sheet of the season.
While he once notably said that even the highest authority could force him to adjust his approach, Amorim maintains the ability to experiment with alternative setups has remained part of his plan.
Yet, he stresses he could only alter the tactics when his team were performing sufficiently well - lest it would seem as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the start of a process," he stated.
"The goal was to forge an style. Currently is a distinct time. We don't have a lot of personnel, and we must adjust, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"It is not because of the pressure of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever the press criticize changing the system repeatedly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm changing because of external voices and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to grow into a better team because when all the players are available, we are not going to play with three defenders all the time."
Availability Issues Continue
With only two wins in their last eight outings prior to defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to say his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a severely stretched roster, with seven senior stars already confirmed absent for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that led to his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be heavily involved, as whereas 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 anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"He 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 vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Personnel
While the specific timeline for Fernandes' comeback - and that of fellow injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, by the end of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
