Head coach Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's tactical system due to external noise would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual back three formation with wide defenders and opted to use an traditional back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times became a back six in the latter phase as his team held on for a victory - securing just their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the capacity to utilize varied setups has always been part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he stresses he could solely implement the change when his team were performing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would look as if he was succumbing to external noise.
"At the time I came here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the players to play well in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to build an style. Now is a separate moment. We are missing a lot of personnel, and we have to be flexible, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"Whenever the press talk about altering the formation constantly, I can't change because the squad will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I think that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are playing well in our system, that is the right time to adapt.
"We will grow into a better squad because when all the players are available, we are not intending to employ a back three in every match."
Squad Issues Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is right to state his team have been playing well.
He is, however, operating with a injury-ravaged squad, with multiple first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his boss to allow him to make a comeback following his hamstring problem.
"Fernandes is already insisting he has to practice," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. You can quote me on that."
The Captain's Role Remains
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly still be deeply engaged, as while most unavailable stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his captain to carry on offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he stated. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"He has negative aspects sometimes - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a multitude of positive qualities. After he recovers, he heads to watch the other guys training. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Key Personnel
Although the specific timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international duty.
