Manager Ruben Amorim contends that changing Man Utd's formation due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the finish" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim moved away from his customary back three setup with wide defenders and chose to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two central midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a six-man defensive block in the final phase as his team held on for a win - securing only their second shutout of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the ability to experiment with varied setups has consistently been part of his long-term vision.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were faring sufficiently well - lest it would appear as if he was succumbing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the players to excel in that system, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to build an philosophy. Now is a distinct time. We lack a full complement of personnel, and we need adjust, so they comprehend why we are making changes.
"The change isn't because of the influence of the media, or the supporters.
"When the press talk about altering the system constantly, I cannot change because the players will think I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is a disaster for the manager.
"When we are performing strongly in our preferred setup, then is the right time to change.
"This will help us become a more complete team because when our full complement of players are available, we are not going to use three defenders all the time."
Injury Issues Persist
Having just two wins in their last eight outings prior to beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, though, managing with a injury-ravaged roster, with seven first-team players already ruled out for the upcoming fixture against winless Wolves.
That figure will grow if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is reportedly pressing his manager to let him to return following his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already insisting he needs to train," said Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Leadership 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 observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim is sure his captain to carry on providing guidance.
"The guy is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always vocal. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are negative aspects at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of good things. Even after he recovers, he heads to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he wants my position or not, but he's a leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, the club will see the return of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from continental duty.
