Head coach Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times became a back six in the latter stages as his squad held on for a victory - securing only their second shutout of the campaign.
Although he once famously said that not even the Pope could pressure him to change his system, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with different setups has always been part of his strategy.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were performing at an acceptable level - or else it would seem as if he was giving in to external criticism.
"When I arrived here last season, I understood maybe I don't have the personnel to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he said.
"Our aim was to establish an style. Today is a different time. We are missing a full complement of personnel, and we need be flexible, so they see the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"When media discuss changing the formation all the time, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is a disaster for the coach.
"When we are getting results in our preferred setup, that is the moment to adapt.
"We will grow into a stronger squad because when all the players return, we are not intending to play with a back three exclusively."
Injury Challenges Continue
With just two wins in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is debatable whether Amorim is right to say his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a depleted roster, with seven first-team stars already unavailable for the forthcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That number will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his withdrawal from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is one of those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to practice," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to play against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Is Unwavering
However, the Portuguese star will probably continue to be deeply engaged, as whereas most unavailable stars watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to carry on offering insight.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's silent and speaking. He's always vocal. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - the way he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Schedule for Injured Personnel
Although the exact date for Fernandes' comeback - and that of other injured stars 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 duty.
