Boss Ruben Amorim contends that altering Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have been "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three formation with wing-backs and opted to field an orthodox back four with two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his team dug in for a victory - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once memorably stated that not even the Pope could force him to change his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with varied formations has consistently been part of his strategy.
Yet, he clarifies he could only alter the tactics when his team were doing well enough - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I recognized maybe I lacked the personnel to play well in that formation, but it was the commencement of a process," he stated.
"We were trying to build an identity. Now is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we must be flexible, so they see the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of the media, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, that becomes the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to play with three defenders all the time."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, working with a depleted roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will grow if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that forced his exit 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 reportedly urging his manager to allow him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to practice," said Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No way. That's definitive."
The Captain's Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be a prominent presence, as whereas most unavailable stars view matches from a private box, Fernandes was seen monitoring the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering input.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly vocal. That's why he's the captain.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for the captain's return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
