Manager Ruben Amorim argues that altering Man Utd's formation due to external pressure would have meant "his demise" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his customary back three formation with wing-backs and chose to use an traditional four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this effectively transformed into a back six in the final stages as his team held on for a win - securing only their second-ever shutout of the season.
Despite he once famously said that not even the Pope could compel him to tweak his approach, Amorim insists the capacity to play with different setups has consistently been part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would look as if he was bowing to external criticism.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to play well in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"We were trying to forge an philosophy. Now is a different juncture. We lack a full complement of players, and we need adapt, so they understand why we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the influence of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss changing the system constantly, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of external voices and I believe that is a disaster for the manager.
"Once we are performing strongly in our system, then is the right time to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a stronger side because when all the players return, we are not intending to employ a back three exclusively."
Squad Issues Loom Large
With just two victories in their last eight outings before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his team have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, managing with a injury-ravaged squad, with seven first-team players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That total will increase if midfielder Mason Mount fails to recover the injury that led to his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Captain Bruno Fernandes is a key name who will miss the Wolves match, despite the fact he is understood to be urging his manager to let him to return following his muscle injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
The Captain's Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will likely continue to be a prominent presence, as whereas most injured players watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was seen keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim anticipates his leader to continue providing input.
"The guy is a leader," he declared. "He must not be that guy that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That's why he's the skipper.
"There are bad things at times - his mannerisms he moves his arms - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he finishes treatment, he goes to observe the rest of the squad training. There are a lot of aspects you don't see.
"I'm not sure if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While 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 welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
