Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to use an standard four-man defense with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this effectively functioned as a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once memorably remarked that not even the highest authority could compel him to adjust his system, Amorim maintains the option to utilize varied setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would appear as if he was succumbing to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I didn't possess the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Today is a separate juncture. We are missing a lot of players, and we have to be flexible, so they understand why we are switching things up.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the fans.
"When you talk about changing the system constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will think I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a more complete squad because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to use three defenders in every match."
Squad Challenges Persist
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is accurate to say his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team stars already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, even though he is reportedly pushing his manager to allow him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already insisting he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably continue to 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 tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to continue providing insight.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a many things you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Key Players
Although the precise date for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, by the end of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
