Manager Ruben Amorim argues that changing Man Utd's formation due to media pressure would have signaled "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his customary three-at-the-back formation with wing-backs and instead use an orthodox four-man defense with two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this at times functioned as a back six in the closing minutes as his team held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once notably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim maintains the option to play with different setups has consistently been part of his strategy.
Nevertheless, he clarifies he could solely alter the tactics when his team were doing sufficiently well - otherwise it would look as if he was giving in to outside criticism.
"When I came here last season, I realized maybe I don't have the personnel to play well in that system, but it was the commencement of a process," he commented.
"The goal was to establish an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We are missing a full complement of players, and we have to adjust, so they understand the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of you guys, or the supporters.
"Whenever media talk about changing the system all the time, I cannot change because the squad will understand I'm altering things because of external voices and I feel that is the downfall for the manager.
"Once we are getting results in our preferred setup, then is the moment to adapt.
"This will help us become a better side because when our full complement of players are available, we are not planning to use a back three all the time."
Injury Issues Continue
Having just two victories in eight games before defeating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is correct to say his side have been playing well.
He is, nonetheless, operating with a depleted roster, with multiple senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against struggling Wolves.
That figure will rise if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to shake off the injury that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is understood to be pressing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Fernandes is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. Definitely not. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Influence Remains
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will almost certainly still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars watch matches from the stands, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the player's tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue providing guidance.
"He is a natural leader," he stated. "He must not be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and offering advice. He's constantly speaking. 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 strengths. After he recovers, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a many things that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a leader. The guy is a true captain."
Recovery Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the specific date for the captain's comeback - and that of other injured players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - remains unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
