Boss Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have signaled "his demise" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an traditional back four with two defensive midfielders.
By his own admission this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final stages as his side dug in for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that even the Pope could pressure him to adjust his system, Amorim insists the option to experiment with alternative formations has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he stresses he could solely make the switch when his team were doing at an acceptable level - otherwise it would appear as if he was giving in to outside noise.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to excel in that formation, but it was the commencement of a journey," he said.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Currently is a separate juncture. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we must adapt, so they understand the reason we are changing.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press talk about altering the formation repeatedly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm changing because of you and I feel that is the end for the coach.
"Only when we are performing strongly in our system, that is the moment to evolve.
"This will help us become a better team because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not planning to use three defenders exclusively."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in their last eight outings before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to state his team have been in good form.
He is, however, managing with a severely stretched squad, with multiple senior stars already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That total will increase if playmaker Mason Mount fails to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he has to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Is Unwavering
However, the 31-year-old will likely still be heavily involved, as while most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"There are bad things sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to watch the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he desires my job or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental competition.
